Waruga is traditional grave of Minahasa ancestors' tribe, which had there since Megalithic era, and made from stone called 'dwiruga'. Located in Airmadidi is an ancient historic cemetery where Minahasan ancestors are buried and is a remnant of the megalithic age. Waruga (head stones) are unique square stones with holes in the middle and prism shaped lids. 144 gravestones built as place of corpse, such as respectable people corpse, elite figure or man who assumed have miracle is entered with sit position and folded hand, just like baby position in womb. Engraving in the stone describe death cause, late hobby, character / nature or work. The scenery en route to this venue is also interesting with a sweeping vista of coconut and spice trees (25 km from the resort).
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A small lake with high sulfur ingredients, the bubbles in the side of lake transmit hot water vapour. Lake color has change of light and depicts a view. The light shadow is blue, green, turquoise, etc. Jitney rising from Tomohon bus terminal towards intersection to lake, then walk (about 700 m) through in way towards the lake from Lahendong village. The colors in this highly sulphurous lake constantly change depending on the light and viewing perspective. Many species of large and small birds make their home around the lake and the grassed area to one side is a very pleasant spot to take a picnic lunch. Be carefull for bubbling mud holes at the edge of the lake, or you will end up with serious burns.Linow Lake located in Lahendong it’s about 40 km from Manado City. That is small lake but so beautiful and tranquility you can sit down there under pain tree or casuarinas tree, while you enjoy your coffee or tea. There is a nice place for laze and lay down, there’s sulfur around Bank Lake. The color of lake can changes every few hours, first the color are blue, and then green, then light grey and some time half light brown to light yellow. Linow Lake located in Lahendong it’s about 40 km from Manado City. That is small lake but so beautiful and tranquility you can sit down there under pain tree or casuarinas tree, while you enjoy your coffee or tea. There is a nice place for laze and lay down, there’s sulfur around Bank Lake. The color of lake can changes every few hours, first the color are blue, and then green, then light grey and some time half light brown to light yellow. Maybe influence of the color it comes from the sulfur and the plant and tree surrounding the lake make corona and the atmosphere become so colorful that the reason why people called that lake: “Lake always changes the color”. Read More..

If you visit North Sulawesi and have no interest to swim or dive, Bukit Kasih Kanonang in Kawangkoan Area will offer you a unique experience in your visit because there are various things to do when you get there.The destination between Bukit Kasih and Manado is around 50 kms and you can reach it whether by renting a car or using general transportation by spending Rp.10.500 from Manado to Kawangkoan and then Rp.5.000 from Kawangkoan Terminal to Bukit Kasih. Finally, to enter the place, you just have to pay Rp.1.000/person, Rp.3.000 for a car and motorcycle and Rp. 5.000 for a bus.Now, let’s say, you have entered Bukit Kasih. So, what will you do now? Firstly, I suggest you to take a walk in a long stairs (some people say, it’s looked almost the same with The Great Wall in China,hehehe) to reach the statues of Toar and Lumimuut (Persons who are believed as the ancestors of Minahasa) and also five worship places for religions in Indonesia. When you have already conquered the stairs, do not forget to take pictures there so you can show it to your friends when you go back to your country.Secondly, you must visit a natural boiling water sulphurous-contained which is believed can cure some kinds of skin diseases. Read More..

Mount Mahawu is a stratovolcano located immediately east from Lokon-Empung volcano in North Sulawesi, Indonesia. The volcano is capped with 180 m wide and 140 m deep crater with two pyroclastic cones in the northern flanks. A small explosive eruption was recorded in 1789. In 1994, fumaroles, mudpots and small geysers actitivies were observed along the greenish shore of a crater lake. The elongated Mahawu volcano immediately east of Lokon-Empung volcano is the northernmost of a series of young volcanoes along a SSW-NNE line near the margin of the Quaternary Tondano caldera. Mahawu is capped by a 180-m-wide, 140-m-deep crater that sometimes contains a small crater lake, and has two pyroclastic cones on its northern flank. Less active than its neighbor, Lokon-Empung, Mahawu's historical activity has been restricted to occasional small explosive eruptions recorded since 1789. In 1994 fumaroles, mudpots, and small geysers were observed along the shores of a greenish-colored crater lake. view the picture http://www.picsearch.com/pictures/travel/nature/volcanoes/volcanoes%20m-z/mahawu.html
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Lembeh Straits is the muck capital of the world, with plenty of "weirdos" to be captured on cameras, film or digital! SDQ Lembeh Dive Resort, the sister resort of SDQ Bunaken Resort", is located right on Lembeh Island, on the ONE and ONLY white sandy long beach. Our traditional Minahasa bungalows have their own balconies with sea views, western bathroom, fan and running water!

Underwater Photographers are Welcome in Lembeh Strait !

Lembeh Straits is a 12 km long stretch of water separating Lembeh Island and the mainland. This region is not known for its massive schools of pelagic fishes or congregations of sharks. Instead, Lembeh Straits has become known as a "Macro-Mecca." This is because of the incredible number of unusual marine animals that are regularly encountered in this area - Cuttle fish, Mandarin fish, Squid, Octopus, Ghostpipefish, Hairy Frogfish, Pygmy Seahorse, Crabs, Shrimp, Nudibranch, Scorpion fish, and many more rare and unusual animals.

Indonesia’s Lembeh Straits continues to be the hotspot for small and unusual marine life. Over the years, Lembeh Strait has shot up to fame as a muck diving Mecca in the region, and in the world, thanks to an endless array of unique critters constantly being discovered. Despite a topography that rarely varies - black sand, few strands of coral - on 90 percent of the sites, every dive is one of a kind because each site features some of the coolest critters on the planet. Here is a Lasy Scorpion fish - RHINOPIAS captured last July 2006 by Kelly Chua from Singapore.

With a prevalent northernly wind, you are encouraged to bring your own hammock. SDQ Lembeh is a small resort, and we will keep it small :) always. We have only 5 traditional Minahasa bungalows. In each bungalow is a twin or double bed. . In 5 bungalows, we can put max 10 guests / divers only. So if you want to book your stay on Lembeh island with us, you are recommended to book at least one month before your arrival. So, why wait?? Go plan your dive trip with us NOW! Read More..

On the island you have the choice amongst a large number of basic homestays which usually charge Rp35-45.000 per day and person incl, fullboard. You have to be a fish lover though…..Most of them are located on Bunaken’s main beach, Liang, at the west side of island, some others on the east side Pangalisang. The Cottage that we recommended are Bastiano Cottage (10 $ fullboard, and Panorama Cottage 5 $ fullboard), great people there, and the place is small and family-style, unlike some others on the island. You can make a reservation as well. Someone from Panorama or Bastiano’s cottage staff will pick you. Note. We Sulawesi Dive Quest only running at the diving activity and on for accommodation ! But our staff can help by giving informations that you need.

How to go to Manado and Back to Bunaken IslandIf you are staying on Bunaken Island now and you want to visist Manado town, you can get Public Boat in the morning start from 07.00 sharp you should be on the beach before that time.You will reach in manado harbor around 9 in the morning (takes 2 hours). When you comeback to Bunaken Island you will have be on the harbor around 1.00 in the afternoon so you will not miss it. Note. The pulic boat running only once a day! so Better Be Early! Read More..

A megalithic stone of then ancestors of Minahasa, its surface is covered with crude, mysterious live drawings and scripts which have never beendeciphered. According to Minahasa historic, this is the place where the ncestors first devided up the land amog the people (Watu Pinabetengan means “The stone of discussion about the division”) The ruling was made in order to ensure a peaceful and harmonious life. 7 division were made amongst different ars of Tombulu, Tonsea, Toulour, Tomtemboan, Tonsawang, Ponosokan and Pasaan Ratahan. This is located in Tompaso, about 45 km from Manado.

Waruga

An ancient of Minahasan ancestors consist of 144 Sarcophagi, wich is a remnat of the Megalithic age. It has special historical value.specific Sarcophagus known as “Waruga” are unique square with holes in the middle and prism shaped lids. The artistic aspect of the Sarcophagus is known by the decoration sculpture and craving around the tombs and the lids with Various motifs such as of human beings, plants, animals, stings, curis, double braids. Located in Sawangan village about 24 km from Manado.

Tangkoko Batu Angus

A nature reserve on open grassland covered with the great variety of plant. Located on the slops of mount “Dua Saudara”, the area is compoed of impressive green hills and valleys with amazingly scenic views of matural beauty. There are black apes.maleo birds,Snakes,Wild Pigs, Hombilis and Rusa Deer.located north of Bitung, it covers an area of 3,196 ha. This nature reserve has several cottages and small restaurants nearby. It is only reachable by four wheel drive jeeps from Girian village over a rough road.

Lake Tondano

About 36 km southwest of Manned is lake Tondano, 600m above sea level. The drive to Tondano passes through picturesque villages and clove plantations. Situated right on the adge of the lake is the Remboken Tourist site, an ideal place for water skiing, fishing and boating, Bungalows, hot water swimming pool and restaurants are available.

Ranopaso

This hot water bathing sport is surrounded by rice fields. The hot water sources lay scattered on the ground. Bungalows are available at Koya village about 3 km from Tondano.

Japanese Cave

A cavernous hill side area alog the road between Kiawa and Kawangkoan. The caves were built by the Japanese during world war two,use as supplies storage. Read More..

This site is good for both beginner and experienced divers. Slope and walldiving with moderate to strong currents. Beautiful reef top with Cuttlefish, Lobster, Bumphead parrotfish and many macro creatures. Nice soft anh hard corals. Many sightto see with average visibility to 15m. Rated : adv diver; depth 15-30m; av vis 20m; wide reef flat; stong currents.

Molas Shipwreck

The Molas ship was a twin propelled Japanese Carrier Warship. The Shipwreck is sitting upright with the port side facing the reef. The bottom of the hull lays between 30 and 40m with the propellers at the deepest part. Bring your dive light to view this wreck. Leaf fish and Scorpion fish can be seen at the bow of boat. Jaw fish peeping from their holes and Flying Gunnarda are common sights on this sandy bottom reef. Rated adv diver; depth 15-30m; av vis 20m; currents.
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This rrip also is for experienced divers. There is often a strong current. Reef Whitetip shark are commonly spotted here. Many schooling tropical fish including Bumphead parrotfish and Parrotfish can be seen. Soft corals, sponges and more……..Rated: Advanced diver; depth 15-35m; av vis 20m; currents.

This dive site is for experienced divers only as you will often encountervery strong currents with the possibility of the downcurrent. If you’re lucky you will see large scholls of Baraccudas. Other fish found here Snapper, Titan Tringgerfish, Grouper and Bannerfish. Sometimes you will see Hammerhead sharks, Jacks and more…..The coral here is mostly soft coral. Rated : Advanced diver; depth 15-35m; wall; av vis 25m; currents.

Gorango

This another special site for experienced divers.in the local dialect,Gorango means ‘Sharks’. This sloping reef wall houses nice soft and hard corals. Moderate to strong currents make for good drift dives. The type of fish you expect to encounter are Triggerfish, Grey Sharks, Snapper Bumphead parrotfish and Turtles. Hammerhead sharks maybe at the deeper part of the reef. Raed : Advanced diver, depth 15-35m; wall; av vis 25m; currents.

Depan Gereja means “in front of Church”. You will find many caves, overhangs and big cracks in the steep reef wall. White Anemone Crabs and a pair of Leaf Fish can be seen in and around Anemone.large Trevallies, white tip sharks, spotted Eagle Rays and Scorpoinfish are also found here. There are many varieties of hard soft corals. Rated : Advanced diver; depth 15-25m; vertical winding wall; av vis 30m; currents.

This is a favorite dive site with our crew. It is articulary good for a morning dive. This sites slope to 30m and then becomes a vertical wall. There are strong horizontal currents with large pelagic fish. A school of 50 large size Barracudas, Napoleon Wrasse and Giant Trevallies are found here. At 30m you see thick school of Bannerfish and Butterflyfish, Spotted Eagle Ray, Sea Snake, and the possibility of a sleeping sharks under Table Coral. This area has one of the healthiest reefs, with a nice diversity of corals. Rated : Advanced diver; depth 15-30m; sandy slope; deep vertical wall; av vis 30m; down current.

Tanjung Kopi

This site often has strong current with good visibility. There many types of Parrotfish, Surgeonfish, Triggerfish, and sometimes Blacktip and Hammerhead sharks. At deeper depth you may encounter Emperor angelfish. There is an abundance of beautiful soft coral, Gorgonians and Whip Corals. Rated : Advanced diver; depth 15-25; slope with deep vertical wall; av vis 30m; possible downcurrent. Read More..

A very nice spot for both snorkeling and diving. This site is located off Siladen Island – about a 45 minute trip by boat. There is a variety of exquisite soft corals at the reef top. Turtles, Napoleon Wrasses and other small creatures are common sights here. Groupers, Butterflyfish, Sting Rays and Spotted Eaglr Rays are possible to encounter. The currents are moderate to strong.Rated : Advanced diver; Vertical wall diving; depth 5-30m; av vis 25m; strong currents.

Sladen Utara

This dive site is located right behind Silend Island. The current is moderate to strong – making it a site for experienced divers. This is good place to see Turtles. Snappers, Emperor Angelfish and reef white tip sharks are also found here. A lot of mcro life at the stepped sandy bottom. Rated : Advanced diver; depth 15-25m; av vis 25m; strong currents.
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A very popular diving spot, lekuan I is home to the Bannerfish, Napoleon Wrasses, and large school of Pyramid Butterflyfish. It also possible to see Turtles and Anglefish here. At 35 meters it is common to encounter Blacktip Sharks and large Trevallies – this is not for the faint hearted ! Rated : Advance diver with 20 loggdeg dives; currents; average visibility 30m.

Lekuan II

This steep coral withvertical canyons offers you a nice moderate drift dive. The reef is swarming with numerous school of tropical reef fish swimming around a variety of soft and hard corals from the top of reef down to 20 meters. Butterflyfish and Bannerfish are a common sight here. It is also possible to encounter Napoleon Wrasses, Turtles, and sharks.Rated : Vertical wall; adv diver; depth 10-25m; currents; av vis 30m.

Lekuan III

One of the most beautiful dies off Bunaken. A very special site for night diving. Barracudas, Reef Whitetip Sharks, Bamboo Sharks and Sponge Crabs are common here. Cleaner shrimp, Scorpionfish, large Nudibranches, Cuttlefish, Spainsh Dancer, Basket Stars are seen here. Anything is possible…….Rated : Begeiner diver; Vertical wall diving; depth 5 – 25; av vis 35m.

Cela – Cela

This site s located right in front of our beach. It offers excellent visibility. It is common to see reef Sharks here. Spotted Eagle Rays can also be seen. Numerous schooloing tropical reef fish and an excellent variety at soft and hard coral are found here. Special night die with many interesting caves and also access into 20 meter deep crevices. This spot offers underware photographers a special view with the sunlight streaming through the big sissures in the wall. Rates: Beginner diver; vertical wall diving; depth 5-25m; av vis 35m.

Alung Banua

This diving spot is only 10 minutes by boat from our office. During night dives it is possible to see Giant Napoleon Wrasses sleeping in their home caves in the reef wal at a depth of 10 meters and 13 meters. In addition, it is possible to encounter Bluesspotted Rays, Sharks, Scorpionfish, Crocodilefish, Nudibranches, a pair of white leaf Scorpionfish and also schools of Bumphead parrotfish swimming around the small caves and overhangs. A good dive ! Rated : Beginner; vertical wall diving; currents; depth 5-25cm.

The current range moderate to strong at this dive site. You will enjoy small school of reef fish, Angelfish, Gobbies, Bumphead Parrotfish and large size Barracudas. Nice coral, pristine reef, large Gorgonian fans and Ascidians. At a depth of 35m it is possible to see Reef Blacktip Sharks in a widw cave in the reef wall. Rated: Advances diver; depth 5-40m; av vis 30m; strong current.

Raymond’s Point

This site is very close to Mandolin Point. The site is known for its’large cave, many Lobsters,Emperor Angelfish, Groupers, Sting Rays and possibly small Spotted Eagle Rays. Many small schools of fish live here. Banded Sea Snakes are a common sight at the top of the reef. Nice soft and hard coral.Rated : Advances diver; depth 5-35m; av vis 30m; strong current.

Mike’s Point

This dive site is a 30 minute boat-ride from our base of operations on Bunaken Island. This is good spot for deep diving. Large Pelagic may be found here, as well as Spotted Eagle Rays, Lobsters and big Groupers. You may even see large Sharks at the deeper parts of the reef. Beautiful Gorgonians Seafens and all defferent types and color of Sponges are carpeting the reef floor.Rated : Advanced diver; depth 15-40m; av vis 25m; strong currents.

Sachiko’s Point

Tis popular dive site provides a stunning wall breath-taking soft and hard coral at the top of the reef. Reef black tip sharks, Stonefish, Several types of Moray eels, and many small schools reef fish snd large Gorgonians are found here. At the deeper levels, you will find some nice caves.Rated : Advances diver; vertical wall diving; depth 5-30m; a vis 30m.

Tanjung Parigi

This dive site is located right at the northern part of bunaken Island. It has vertical winding wall, with an exposed reef top. Surgeonfish, Rabbitfish, Parrotfish, Large Jacks and other Pelagic fish are seen here. It is also possible to find huge Barrel sponges, beautiful black coral and Gorgonians. There can be strong current. Rated : Advanced dive; depth 15-30m; winding wall; av vis 30m; currents

Bunaken Timur

This dive site is located at the timur (East) part of Bunaken Island, right next to Bunaken village. Beautiful soft coral is found at shallower depths. Ascidians, Spotted Eagle Rays,Turtles, Nudibranches, Shrimpfish, Butterflyfish and Sharks are pretty common here. It is a special site for marso photography. Rated : Advanced diver; vertical wall diving; depth 5-25m, a vis 25m; strong currents

Muka Kampung

Muka Kampung means “in front of village”. It is located at the southem tip of Bunaken Island. Currents may be extremely strong – giving you a nice, fast underwater ride. Napoleon Wrasses, Reef black and white tip sharks, Lobster and Moorish Idols are found here.it is possible to see big turtles and various schools of fish. The wall contains many vertical crevices and canyons. Rated : Advanced diver; vertical wall diving; depth 15-30m; av vis 25m. Read More..

The bunaken National Marine Park was formally established in 1991 and is among the first of Indonesia’s growing system of marine parks. The park covers a total surface area of 89,065 hectares, 97% of which is overtain by sparking clear, warm tropical water. The remaining 3% of the park is terrestrial, including the five islands of Bunaken, Manado Tua, Mantehage, Nain and Siladen. Althpugh each of these islands has a speial character, it is yhe aquatica ecosystem that attracts most naturalists. The water of Bunaken National Marine Park are extremely deep (1566m in Manado Bay), clear (up t0 35-40m visibility), refreshing in temperature (27-29 C) and harbor some of the highest levels of biodiversity in the world.

Pick any of group of interest – corals,fish, echidonderms or sponges and the number of families, genera or species is bound to be astonishingly high. For example, 7 of the 8 species of giant clams that ocour in the world, occur in Bunaken. The park has around 70 genera of corals; compare this to a mere 10 in Hawaii. Although the exact number of fish species is unknown, it may be slightly higher than in the Philippines, where 2,500 species or nearly 70% of all fish species known to the Indo-western Pacific, are found.

Oceanic currents may explain, in part, why Bunaken National Marine Park is such a treasure trove of biodiversity. Northeasternly currents generally sweep through the park but abundant counter currents and gyros related to lunar cycles are belived to be a trap for free swimming larvae. This is particulary true vicinity of Lekuan or Fukui may spot over 33 species of butterfly fish and numerous types of groupers, demsles, wrasses and gobies. The gobies, smallish fish with bulging eyes and modified fins that allow them to attach to hard surfaces, are the most diverse but least known group of fish in the park.

Biologists believed that the abudance of hard corals is crucial in maintaining the high levels of diversity in the park. Harrd corals are architects of the reefs, without them, numerous marine organisms would be homeless and hungry. Many species of fish are closely associated with particular types of corals (folious, branching, massive, etc.) for shelter and egg-laying. Others, like the enormous Bumphead Parrotfish, Balbometopon muricatum, are “coralivores” and depend on hard corals fpr their sustenance. Bony mouth parts fused into an impressive “beak” allow these gregarious fish to crunch corals like roasted peanuts.

Some 20,000 people live on the natural resources of Bunaken National Marine Park. Although there are inevitable conflicts between resource protection and use by people, the Indonesian govermment is taking a fairly preventing overexploitation. Local communities, govemment officials, dive resort operators, local nature groups, tourist and scientists have played an active role in developing exclusive zones for diving, wood collection, fishing and other forms of utilization.if successful, Bunaken Marine Park will stand as an important example of how Sulawesi, and the rest of Indonesia, can work to protect its natural resources. Read More..